Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.
We looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features and price when choosing our top picks. Find out what infant car seat is best for you and your family by reading.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with extra features that go above the minimum requirements. These include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that support the straps and more. According to the experts I spoke to the more features a chair has, they are more efficient.
The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This will lower the chance of injuries to their child during the event of a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are intended to be used for a limited period of time. Choose a model that's easy to install with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat in a perfect position. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.
Other top features that some car seat manufacturers provide include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are great, but don't forget that the safety of your car seat is just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your child's car seat and learn more about the car's safety features.
When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll probably only be able to use it for approximately 2 years, until your child is ready to move to an convertible car seat. Some families choose to skip the infant seat altogether and choose to purchase convertible cars with greater weight and height limit. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and try out a variety of models in person prior to choosing one. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car, and comes with useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. infant carrier seat Pushchairs And Prams 's the most crucial aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.
Simple to Use
You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is simple to attach and remove from the base regardless of whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or transfer it between multiple. Look for clearly labeled installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, consider how easy it is to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats include the load leg. This brace that acts as a support between the seat base and the vehicle's floor, providing extra stability in case of a collision. It's an especially important feature to have if you own an older car, as the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is higher when an infant is sitting close to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.
Other top features that enhance the user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bar, which can prevent the seat from bouncing back in an accident. The latter has been shown by research to reduce the chance of head injuries by up to 43%. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a limited budget who want a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has been awarded an exemplary rating from child-passenger safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy that secures with magnets for full coverage.
Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that can be put in by the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. This is a great option for parents who intend to take Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to get back in the car each time to install a new seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the counterpart TRIV travel system feature an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the bottom of the seat which makes it fast and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and also converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families with a tight budget.
Comfort
When your baby is in the car seat for a long period of time, it's crucial that they feel comfortable. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach or back, and a growing headrest. Also, consider a seat that is easy to alter as your child grows.
While a car seat with many special features may cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. This is why we consider things like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also take note of dimensions and weight since the weight or bulk of a seat can add stress to your biceps while you carry it in and out of your car or moving between cars.
A seat with a load leg--a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash--is another good choice. This extra safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats, however, there are a few affordable models that include it.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain safe for your child after they reach their maximum growth stage, which is usually around age two or three. You should also consider a convertible infant car seat that converts to an adult car seat. This option will give you more flexibility in your vehicle and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which is a combination of the car seat of an infant and a stroller into one unit. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school on public transportation. It's also easy to put in, and our expert testers praised the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers reported that the seat is compact, which is important for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the best infant car seats include convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with a minimum of hassle. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on the stroller.
One thing that might not seem like a big difference but can save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that will let you know that it's been properly installed. The line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. This is especially useful when you're going to be changing the car seat frequently or if your baby will be traveling with you and you have to set it up in Ubers or taxis.
Another useful feature is the possibility of attaching an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it easier to transport your baby's infant from the car to the supermarket or out on errands, without the need to carry an additional carrier. This is a life-changing feature for parents who are looking to return to normal after a long trip or commute with a child.
If you anticipate your baby to grow quickly pick a car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that does not mean that all car seats are made equal. Some come with features that go above and beyond, including load legs that brace the base of the car seat to provide added stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injury in crashes. Certain extras can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent feel more comfortable and more secure.